In Los Angeles, former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez was sentenced to a five-year prison term on Monday, following a 2022 shooting incident. Velasquez had pursued a man accused of molesting his son during the ordeal. The sentence was handed down in Santa Clara County after Velasquez entered a no-contest plea last August to charges of attempted murder, felony assault, and other related gun crimes associated with what prosecutors described as a “vigilante shooting spree.” Velasquez will be credited for time already served.
The incident unfolded in February 2022. Velasquez, at that time a two-time UFC heavyweight champion, fired multiple shots at a truck carrying three individuals. Among the passengers was Harry Goularte, a 46-year-old facing felony charges related to child molestation, as reported by the district attorney’s office. His lawyer, Renee Hessling, referred to the outcome as “bittersweet,” expressing the defense team’s disappointment in failing to keep him out of prison.
In a statement, Hessling lauded Velasquez’s fortitude and character, noting that he accepted responsibility for his actions. “The sentence delivered today reflects the complexity of the circumstances and provides insight into the true man beyond the headlines,” she added. Just days before the shooting, Goularte had been detained on allegations of sexually assaulting a 4-year-old child at his family’s daycare facility. Released without bail shortly thereafter, he was under house arrest and heading to retrieve an electronic monitoring device when Velasquez ambushed him.
The district attorney’s office detailed that Velasquez fired shots at Goularte’s vehicle during an 11-mile chase. Although Goularte escaped unharmed, his stepfather, who was chauffeuring the car, was struck twice. Velasquez has openly acknowledged that the sexual assault involved his child, prompting him to file a lawsuit against Goularte and the daycare for negligence and sexual battery. During an appearance on his former teammate Kyle Kingsbury’s podcast, Velasquez admitted his approach was misguided.
“We can’t take the law into our own hands,” Velasquez said, acknowledging the peril his actions had posed. “I realize the dangers not only to those involved but also to innocent bystanders. I understand my actions and am prepared to make amends.” He further emphasized the importance of maintaining sincere conversations with children about appropriate conduct and attentively listening to their concerns.
Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen condemned Velasquez’s actions, noting, “One person’s decision to act outside the law resulted in wounding an innocent individual and endangering schoolchildren, educators, and other community members. If pursuing justice in our county is your goal, please join law enforcement.”